Oakland helps launch national consolidation scheme for SPAR

Following two years of intensive collaboration with multi temperature supply chain specialist, Redditch based Oakland International Limited, SPAR (UK) Ltd have launched a new delivery scheme specifically designed to provide SPAR wholesalers with increased order fulfilment and improved shelf life on SPAR chilled product.

Managing Director of Oakland International, Dean Attwell, said: “Initially the scheme will start with eight suppliers before being rolled out across an increased supplier base, although Oakland already works with SPAR customers on a regular basis, this new scheme will form the basis of a much improved service for SPAR wholesalers. Eventually this will deliver additional benefits such as improved shelf life, fewer opportunities for products to be out of stock due to increased delivery frequency, an increased product range, reduced wastage and an enhanced shopping experience for SPAR customers.”

Through efficient use of case and pallet consolidation as well as cross-docking, the scheme will bring a number of improvements to retailers, particularly in greater access to a wider range of chilled suppliers.

Steve Blackmore, Management Information and Supply Chain Director for SPAR (UK) Ltd commented: “This is a great opportunity for SPAR to further improve its service to its members and retailers whilst having a significant positive impact on our carbon footprint. The scheme is well supported by all six SPAR RDCs and will have additional benefits in the roll out of the SPAR own label products across the business. Oakland was chosen as our partner due to their geographical location and their ability to provide a complete solution ranging from case consolidation, pallet consolidation and cross-docking.”

Designed and inspired with SPAR wholesalers and retailers’ needs in mind, a number of consolidation models were reviewed to ensure SPAR’s chilled suppliers and wholesaler needs would be met, with Oakland’s final solution producing additional benefits of improved efficiency and availability, reduced supplier road miles and carbon emission reduction.